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Board orders removal of barriers in driveway spat

Village resident told that fence he put up in dispute with clinic violates ordinance on structures

By

JOE POIRIER

Ozaukee Press staff

They say good fences make for good neighbors, but a makeshift barrier has led the Fredonia Village Board to take action between two disputing residents.

Dave Brouillette, a chiropractor and owner of Brouillette Back & Neck Clinic at 511 Fredonia Ave., has a shared-driveway agreement with property owner Ken Watry, who has put up several stake posts and trash cans in the middle of the south end of the property where patients park.

According to a village ordinance, no fence can be constructed of unsightly or dangerous materials, which could constitute a nuisance. The ordinance also states a fence is required to be constructed of only posts and boards or rails, or posts and wire mesh.

Watry previously made a barrier out of stake posts and tires, which existed for a month. He said he put up the fence to prevent Brouillette’s customers from backing into his property when they are leaving.

“I don’t want people trespassing and damaging my property,” Watry told the Village Board during its March 1 meeting. “I have nothing on other people’s property.”

The Village’s Zoning Administrator Henry Derler inspected the property and sent an official notice on Feb. 22 for Watry to immediately remove the stakes and garbage cans within 30 days.

“I refuse to. Why am I being singled out?” Watry asked the Village Board. “Where does it state in the ordinance that I can’t have building markers?”

If Watry doesn’t comply within the timeframe of the notice, he will be fined for each day the violation continues, which would constitute separate offenses.

Watry eventually said he will remove the stakes and garbage cans, but said it wasn’t clear to him what he could put up in their place.

“It’s going to get worse,” Watry said, noting he’s considering using manure spreaders for the barrier.

“I can make it more bigger and solid on my property. I was trying to make it nicer.”

Village President Don Dohrwardt said the village will assess whatever material Watry decides to use for a fence and will take action accordingly.

As of Tuesday, village officials said, Watry has not taken down his barrier or put up any other material.

The two neighbors have had a shared-drive agreement since 2003.

In 2013, ownership of property was transferred to Watry, and that ownership was transferred to a trust last December.

Watry said if he doesn’t have a barrier between the two properties, he is liable for any risk on his property.

“I just want to keep customers of Dr. Brouillette from driving on my property,” Watry said.